< Return to Religious Affiliation of Comics Book Characters < Return to Famous Greco-Roman classical religionists The Religious Affiliation of Comic Book Character Aquaman a.k.a. Arthur Curry/Orin, of the Justice League of America

Aquaman is a fictional comic book superhero who appears in DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 (Nov. 1941). Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later featured in his own title multiple times. Nearly two decades later, during the superhero-revival period known as the Silver Age of Comic Books, he was a founding member of the Justice League of America. Later still, in the 1990s-present Modern Age of Comic Books, Aquaman's character became more serious, with storylines depicting the weight of his title.

Aquaman has also appeared in animated and live-action television programs. In pop culture, Aquaman has been the subject of satire and mockery for his powers, which are often portrayed as useless.

Contents[hide]1 Publication history 2 Fictional character biography 2.1 Golden Age 2.2 Silver Age 2.2.1 Allies and foes 2.2.2 End of an era 2.3 Modern Age 2.3.1 Retelling origins 2.3.2 New direction 2.3.3 Back to basics 2.3.4 The Missing Year 3 Arthur Joseph Curry 3.1 Publication history 3.2 Fictional character biography 4 Powers and abilities 4.1 Orin 4.2 Arthur Joseph 5 Alternative Versions 6 In other media 7 See also 8 Footnotes 9 References

[edit] Publication history

posted on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - link to this photo During the 1930s and 1940s -- a period fans and historians call the Golden Age of Comic Books -- the first version of Aquaman appeared in DC Comics' More Fun Comics #73-107 (November 1941 - February 1946). After February of 1946, the series dropped superhero stories to become a humor comic book. Aquaman's feature moved to Adventure Comics #103-284 (April 1946 - May 1961) as a backup to the book's star, Superboy.

Louis Cazeneuve succeeded artist co-creator Paul Norris to become the longest-running artist of the undersea hero's Golden Age adventures. Cazeneuve debuted on "Aquaman" in More Fun Comics #82 (Aug. 1942), and continued with the feature through issue #107 (Feb. 1946), and its subsequent move to Adventure Comics #103-117, 119-120, 124 (April 1946 - June 1947, Aug.-Sept. 1947, Jan. 1948). The primary artist for most of the Aquaman stories from the early 1950s to the early 1960s was Ramona Fradon, one of the few female comic artists of that period. Her version of Aquaman set the standard for several years.

The first recurring supporting characters in the feature were various sea creatures, including Ark, a pet seal who appeared in several of Aquaman's 1940s adventures, and Topo, Aquaman's pet octopus, who first appeared in Adventure Comics #229 (Oct. 1956).

In the period spanning the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, known as the Silver Age of Comic Books, Aquaman starred in a 56-issue namesake series (Feb. 1962 - April 1971). Seven additional issues, #57-63 (Sept. 1977 - Sept. 1978), later appeared. A four-issue miniseries, Aquaman vol. 2 (Feb.-May 1986) and a one-shot sequel, Aquaman Special (1988) followed, then a five-issue miniseries, Aquaman vol. 3 (June-Oct. 1989), and another one-shot, The Legend of Aquaman #1 (1989). A second ongoing series, Aquaman vol. 4, ran 13 issues (Dec. 1991 - Dec. 1992). After one more miniseries, Aquaman: Time and Tide (Dec. 1993 - Feb. 1994, with two issues in the final month), Aquaman appeared in his longest-running solo title, Aquaman vol. 5, running 77 issues from #1-75 (Aug. 1994 - Jan. 2001), plus an issue #0 (Oct. 1994), published between #2 and #3, and an issue #1,000,000 (Nov. 1998), published between #49 and #50. This series spawned five annuals, cover-dated July 1995 to September 1999.

In the mid-1980s, following the establishment of DC Comics' multiverse, the Golden Age Aquaman became known as the Aquaman of "Earth-Two", and the modern-day Aquaman became the Aquaman of "Earth-One". In modern-day comics, the original Aquaman appeared only in All-Star Squadron #59-60 (July-Aug. 1986), just before the character was retroactively eliminated from existence via the crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths".

[edit] Fictional character biography

"Aquaman Makes Me Wet''says Arthor Curry's girl freind.

[edit] Golden AgeAquaman's first origin story was presented in flashback from his debut, narrated by the character himself:

“ The story must start with my father, a famous undersea explorer — if I spoke his name, you would recognize it. My mother died when I was a baby, and he turned to his work of solving the ocean's secrets. His greatest discovery was an ancient city, in the depths where no other diver had ever penetrated. My father believed it was the lost kingdom of Atlantis. He made himself a water-tight home in one of the palaces and lived there, studying the records and devices of the race's marvelous wisdom. From the books and records, he learned ways of teaching me to live under the ocean, drawing oxygen from the water and using all the power of the sea to make me wonderfully strong and swift. By training and a hundred scientific secrets, I became what you see — a human being who lives and thrives under the water. ”

The Golden Age Aquaman communicating with sea life by an ancient Atlantean temple he uses as his lair. Art by Louis Cazeneuve.In his early Golden Age appearances, Aquaman had the ability to breathe underwater and superhuman strength enabling him to swim at high speeds. He was also shown to have the ability to communicate with sea-life and have them do his bidding. Initially, he was depicted as speaking to sea creatures "in their own language," and only when they were close enough to hear him rather than being telepathic in nature. While he was often described as the "sovereign of the sea," with the waters of the entire globe his "domain," and almost every sea creature his "loyal subject," the title was never an official one. Aquaman's adventures took place all across the world, and the only base he appeared to have was "an ancient temple of lost Atlantis, kept underwater," in which he kept a solitary throne[1]

During his wartime adventures, most of Aquaman's foes were Nazi U-boat commanders and various Axis villains. The rest of his adventures in the 1940s and 1950s had him dealing with various sea-based criminals, including modern-day pirates such as his longtime archenemy Black Jack, as well as various threats to aquatic life, shipping lanes, and sailors.

[edit] Silver AgeStarting in 1959, Aquaman's backstory and character were revised, with various new supporting characters added and several adjustments made to the character's origins, powers, and persona.

Aquaman, Mera, and Aqualad, as depicted by Nick Cardy in Aquaman #18 (Dec. 1964)In Adventure Comics #260 (May 1959) and subsequent Silver Age comics, it was revealed that Aquaman was Arthur Curry, the son of Tom Curry, a lighthouse keeper, and Atlanna, a water-breathing outcast from the lost, underwater city of Atlantis. Due to his heritage, Aquaman discovered as a youth that he possessed various superhuman abilities, including the powers of surviving underwater, communication with sea life, and tremendous swimming prowess. Eventually, Arthur decided to use his talents to become the defender of the Earth's oceans, first starting a career as "Aquaboy" and meeting Superboy (Earth's only other superpowered hero at the time) on one occasion (Superboy #171, Jan 1971). When Arthur grew up, he called himself "Aquaman."

It was later revealed (in Aquaman #29) that after Atlanna's death, Tom Curry met and married an ordinary human woman and had a son named Orm Curry, Aquaman's half-brother. Orm grew up as a troubled youth in the shadow of his brother, who constantly bailed him out of trouble with the law. He grew to hate Aquaman not only for the powers that he could never possess but also because he knew that their father would always favor Aquaman. Orm disappeared after becoming an amnesiac and would resurface years later as Aquaman's arch-nemesis, Ocean Master.

By the late 1950s, Aquaman's ability to talk with fish had been expanded to full-fledged telepathic communication with sea creatures even from great distances, but in Adventure Comics #256 (Jan 1959) he was also retroactively given a specific weakness akin to Superman's vulnerability to Kryptonite or Green Lantern's vulnerability to the color yellow: Aquaman had to come into contact with water at least once per hour, or he would die (prior to this story Aquaman could exist both in and out of water indefinitely). This problem was later explained as a characteristic of all Atlanteans .

[edit] Allies and foesAquaman was included in the Justice League of America comic book series, appearing with the team in their very first adventure in The Brave and the Bold #28 (Feb-Mar 1960). He was a founding member of the team, as shown in a flashback in Justice League of America #9 (Feb 1962). Aquaman took part in most of the 1960s adventures of the superhero team.

With Adventure Comics #269 (Feb 1960), Aquaman's familiar cast of allies and enemies began to grow with the addition of Aqualad, an outcast, orphaned youth from a colony of Atlantis whom Aquaman takes in and begins to mentor. Adventure Comics #264 (Sep 1959) introduced the submerged fictional city of New Venice, which was later revealed to be based in Florida and which also became Aquaman's base of operations for a time in the early 1980s, beginning with World's Finest Comics #263 (Jun-Jul 1980).

Aquaman continued to appear in Adventure Comics until issue #284 (May 1961), when the feature moved to Detective Comics from issues #293-300 (Jul 1961-Feb 1962), then to World's Finest Comics from issues #125-139 (May 1962-Feb 1964). After four tryout issues in bi-monthly Showcase (#30-33, Feb-Aug 1961), Aquaman gained his own series for the first time with the publication of Aquaman #1 (Jan-Feb 1962).

Aquaman eventually met the Atlanteans and became their ally. He was recognized as the son of Atlanna and later voted to be the King after the death of the former regent, who had no heirs. By this time Aquaman had met Mera, a queen from a water-based dimension, and he married her at the same time he was crowned king of Atlantis, Aquaman #18 (Nov-Dec 1964). They soon had a son, Arthur, Jr. (nicknamed "Aquababy") in issue #23 (Sep-Oct 1965).

The 1960s series introduced other such arch-enemies as the Ocean Master (Aquaman's amnesiac half-brother Orm), Black Manta, the Fisherman, the Scavenger, and the terrorist organization known as O.G.R.E. Other recurring members of the Aquaman cast introduced in this series include the well-meaning but annoying Quisp (a water sprite); Dr. Vulko, a trustworthy Atlantean scientist who becomes Aquaman's royal advisor and whom Aquaman eventually appoints to be king after leaving the throne himself; and Tula (known as "Aquagirl"), an Atlantean princess who was Aqualad's primary love interest.

Aquaman in Adventure Comics. Art by Jim Aparo.Most of Aquaman's early Silver Age adventures were written by George Kashdan[2] and Bob Haney, while Nick Cardy took Ramona Fradon's place as the primary Aquaman artist. With Aquaman #40, the writer-artist team of Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo brought new levels of sophistication to the characters and stories.

The original Aquaman series ended with issue #56 (Mar-Apr 1971). Aquaman was given his own feature again in Adventure Comics #435-437, and #441-452, this time as the main feature in most of these issues. The Aquaman series was restarted with issue #57 (Aug-Sep 1977) and ran until issue #63 (Aug-Sep 1978), when it was finally canceled. Aquaman continued to appear in Adventure Comics #460-466, when his feature moved to World's Finest Comics from issues #262-264, and back to Adventure Comics (for the final time) from issues #475-478. Aquaman appeared in a backup feature in Action Comics which he shared with the Atom and Air Wave in various issues. Throughout this time Aquaman also appeared in various series (such as Justice League of America, The Brave and the Bold, World's Finest Comics, and DC Comics Presents) in partnership with other superheroes.

After becoming king of Atlantis, Aquaman began a policy of slowly reintroducing the once-secretive Atlantis to the surface world. After he was briefly ousted from the throne by the Shark (whom he defeated), he made the decision to leave the throne to become a more traditional superhero, and Dr. Vulko was elected as the new king.

[edit] End of an eraEventually, as part of a trap, Aquaman's foe Black Manta kidnapped and ultimately murdered Arthur, Jr. (Adventure Comics #452, Jul-Aug 1977), causing a rift between Aquaman and Mera. They remained married for a few more years and for a while operated out of the submerged city of New Venice, Florida.

In the mid-1980s, after his own feature's demise, Aquaman was briefly made the leader of the Justice League of America. In a storyline told in Justice League of America #228-230, an invasion of Earth by a race of Martians occurred at a time when the core members were missing. Aquaman was thus forced to defend Earth with a League much-depleted in power and capability, and he took it upon himself to disband the JLA altogether in Justice League of America Annual #2 (1984), thereafter reforming it with new bylaws requiring members to give full participation to the League's cases. With the help of a small number of veteran JLA members willing to fully commit to the team, Aquaman recruited and trained four new and untried members, also relocating the team's headquarters to a reinforced bunker in Detroit, Michigan after the destruction of the JLA's satellite headquarters during the invasion. Aquaman's participation in this new version of the Justice League ended in #243 (Oct 1985), when he resigned to work on his marriage with Mera.

[edit] Modern Age

The deep-blue camouflage costume. Art by Craig Hamilton.After the 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series, several short limited series were produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s -- beginning with 1986's, four-issue Aquaman (Feb 1986-May 1986), featuring Aquaman in a new, largely deep-sea blue, costume. The series was well received and a follow up mini series was in the works, though it was eventually canceled due to creative problems. This series also shed some light on the Silver Age version of Aquaman's origin as well as Aquaman's relationship with his half-brother, Ocean Master, whose origin is retold in more complete detail. The series also added new mystical elements to the Aquaman mythos and reinvented Ocean Master as a sorcerer. Aquaman reappeared in his blue costume in the Aquaman Special #1 (1988).

[edit] Retelling originsIn 1989, Legend of Aquaman Special (officially titled as Aquaman Special #1 in the comic's legal indicia, the second Special in back-to-back years) rewrote the Sea King's mythos and origin, though keeping most of his Silver Age history intact.

The Modern Age Aquaman is born as Orin to Queen Atlanna and the mysterious wizard Atlan in the Atlantean city of Poseidonis, was abandoned on Mercy Reef as a baby because of his blond hair, which was seen by the superstitious Atlanteans as a sign of a curse they called "the Mark of Kordax." The only individual who spoke up on Orin's behalf was Vulko, a scientist who had no patience for myth or superstition. While his pleas were to no avail, Vulko would later become a close friend and advisor to the young Orin.

As a feral child who raised himself in the wilds of the ocean with only sea creatures to keep him company, Orin was found and taken in by a lighthouse keeper named Arthur Curry who named Orin "Arthur Curry" after himself. One day Orin returned home and found that his adoptive father had disappeared, so he set off on his own. In his early teens, Orin ventured to the far north, where he met and fell in love with an Inupiat girl named Kako. He also first earned the hatred of Orm, the future Ocean Master who was later revealed to be Arthur's half-brother by Atlan and an Inupiat woman. Orin was driven away before he could learn that Kako had become pregnant with his son, Koryak.

Orin then returned to the seas mostly staying out of humanity's sight, until he discovered Poseidonis. He was captured by the city's then-dictatorial government and placed in a prison camp, where he met Vulko, also a prisoner of the state, who taught Orin the language and ways of the Atlanteans. While Orin was there he realized that his mother was also being held captive, but after her death he broke out and fled. Eventually, he made his way to the surface world, where under the name of "Aquaman" he became one of several superheroes emerging into the public view at the time. Upon his return to Poseidonis he was made the king, and sometime later he met and married Mera. The Modern Age Aquaman's history is nearly identical to that of the Silver Age Aquaman from this point on.

As detailed in the five-issue Aquaman limited series (Jun-Oct 1989), which continued a few of the themes from the Special, Mera was eventually driven insane by grief over the death of Arthur, Jr., and was committed to an asylum in Poseidonis. Shortly afterwards, an alien force conquered Atlantis. Arthur was forced to save the city but was hampered by an escaped Mera who personally blamed Arthur for the death of their son. In a fit of rage, Mera left Aquaman's dimension.

The publication of writer Peter David's The Atlantis Chronicles #1-7 (Mar-Sep 1990), which told the story of Atlantis from antediluvian times to Aquaman's birth, successfully revived interest in the character. Significantly, it was in this limited series that the ancient Atlantean characters Orin (whose name was given as Aquaman's Atlantean name) and Atlan (who was revealed to be Aquaman's father) were introduced.

A new Aquaman ongoing series (#1-13) thereafter ran from December 1991 to December 1992, which portrayed Aquaman reluctantly deciding to remain in Poseidonis as its protector once again. For a time, he served as Atlantis' representative to the United Nations but always found himself thrust back into the superhero role. Becoming more and more of a workaholic and solitary figure, Aquaman eventually returned to the oceans. He soon became tangled up in another attempt by Black Manta to destroy Atlantis by dragging it into a war with a surface nation.

Peter David returned to the character in another limited series, Aquaman: Time and Tide, a 1993/1994 four-issue series which further explained Aquaman's origins as he finally learned all about the history of his people through the Atlantis Chronicles (presented as historical texts passed down and updated through the centuries). Aquaman learned that his birth name was Orin and that he and his enemy Ocean Master shared the same father, "an ancient Atlantean wizard" called Atlan. This revelation sent Orin into a bout of rage and depression, setting the stage for later confrontations between the two, as it was said that "two brothers will also battle for control of Atlantis". (The Silver Age Aquaman had always known that the Ocean Master was his half-brother Orm, although Orm's amnesia prevented him from remembering that fact for some time.)

[edit] New direction

The 1990s version of Aquaman. Art by Jim Calafiore.Aquaman received his own series again with the publication of the fifth Aquaman #1 (Aug 1994), initially scripted by Peter David, following up on his Aquaman: Time and Tide limited series. This new Aquaman series was the longest-running for the character, lasting until its 75th issue. David left the landmark series after issue #46 (Jul 1998) after working on it for nearly four years.

Soon in Aquaman #2 (Sep 1994), Aquaman lost his left hand when the madman Charybdis stole his ability to communicate with sea life and stuck Arthur's hand into a piranha-infested pool. This caused Aquaman to become somewhat unhinged, and he soon began having prophetic dreams. Soon after, he attached a harpoon spearhead to his left arm in place of his missing hand. This was the start of an entirely new look: the classic orange shirt was discarded for a gladiatorial manica. Forsaking his former clean-cut appearance, Aquaman grew long hair and a longish beard. After the destruction of the harpoon, Aquaman had it replaced with a cybernetic prosthetic from S.T.A.R. Labs. This new harpoon had a retractable reel that he could fully control.

The major storyline, culminating in #25, concerned the Five Lost Cities of Atlantis. Facing an unearthly invading species linked to the origin of the Atlanteans, Aquaman had to search out and unite the lost cities. This storyline established him as a true Warrior King, and he became a major political power. The remainder of the Peter David run was about Orin coming to terms with his genetic heritage and his role as a king.

After a brief stint by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, David was replaced as writer by Erik Larsen with issue #50 (Dec 1998). Larsen's work proved unpopular with readers, however, and with issue #63 (Jan 2000) he was replaced by Dan Jurgens, who saw the series through to its cancellation with issue #75 (Jan 2001).

Aquaman had rejoined the JLA when it reformed and remained an active member of that team until the Our Worlds at War event, during which Aquaman and the city of Poseidonis disappeared and were presumed to be destroyed. The JLA later discovered that Poseidonis and its inhabitants were taken into the ancient past by a powerful Atlantean sorceress named Gamemnae. The people of Poseidonis were made slaves by their Atlantean ancestors, and Aquaman himself was transformed into living water and imprisoned in an ornamental pool.

After a few months of their time — but fully fifteen years for the Atlanteans — the JLA freed Aquaman in "The Obsidian Age" storyline in JLA #66-75 (Jul 2002-Jan 2003), and Poseidonis and its people were returned to the present by the JLA, though not before Aquaman was forced to sink ancient Atlantis.

[edit] Back to basics

2003 series' initial look by Yvel Guichet.A sixth Aquaman series began shortly afterwards, initially written by Rick Veitch who sought to take Aquaman in a more mystical direction. Subsequent writers who contributed to the series include John Ostrander, Will Pfeifer, and John Arcudi. This series ran from issue #1 (Feb 2003) to #39 (Apr 2006) when it was renamed Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis (see below).

As shown in this series, Aquaman's decision to sink ancient Atlantis caused displeasure among some of the city's citizens, and Arthur was once again driven out of Poseidonis. He spent some time in Ireland, where he met the Lady of the Lake, who gave him a new prosthetic hand composed of mystical water with unusual properties. From there he returned to his more traditional look: orange shirt, short hair, and beardless.

Back to traditional look. Art by Alan Davis.Later, Aquaman went to San Diego after a massive earthquake plunged half the city into the Pacific Ocean. He soon discovered that the survivors of the catastrophe were able to breathe underwater and began helping them to rebuild the submerged portion of the city they now called "Sub Diego".

During this time, Aquaman picked up a new sidekick named Lorena, who eventually became the new Aquagirl. For a time, it appeared that Aquaman might reconcile with Mera, as he attempted to take her to the surface in order to save her from the Atlantean mages who had transformed her into an air-breather.

Shortly thereafter, during the Infinite Crisis event, Atlantis was destroyed by the Spectre, and many of its citizens were killed, including Aquaman's son Koryak and his oldest friend (and father figure), Vulko. Aquaman led the survivors to Sub Diego in the hope that the two displaced peoples could help each other. When Black Manta attacked the sunken city, Aquaman defeated him and left him for dead, surrounded by carnivorous fish (it was later revealed that Manta survived, although it remains unclear whether Aquaman intended his death).

Aquaman made a brief appearance at the memorial for Superboy in 52. With Aquaman #40 (May 2006), the series was renamed Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis and taken in an entirely different direction by writer Kurt Busiek.

[edit] The Missing YearDuring week 39 of the "missing year" depicted in the weekly comic book 52, Ralph Dibny, seemingly accompanied by Dr. Fate's helmet, meets a bearded, long-haired, and amnesic Orin in the ruins of Atlantis. The helmet portends that "if he lives... if he lives... it is as a victim of the magicks of legend and the power of the sea".

Orin was transformed into the Dweller of the Depths during Week 50 of 52 in the World War III event. In a desperate bid to save the life of several Sub Diego inhabitants who have lost the ability to live in water, Orin makes a deal with the gods of the sea to gain the power to save them. Using the bones of his severed left hand in a magical ritual, the sea gods give Orin the power to raise Sub Diego onto dry land. However, Orin mutates into the Dweller of the Depths as a side effect of gaining his new abilities and loses his memories as a result. He finally dies in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #50.

Arthur Joseph Curry is a fictional character, the second DC Comics superhero to be known as Aquaman. Created by Kurt Busiek and Butch Guice, he first appeared in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #40 (May 2006).

[edit] Publication historyAs part of DC Comics' "One Year Later" event, Aquaman's series was renamed Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis with issue #40 (May 2006). The new developments include a new lead character, a new supporting cast, and the inclusion of sword and sorcery-type fantasy elements in the series.

[edit] Fictional character biographyWhile awaiting transport to Miami, Florida, a young man named Arthur Joseph Curry is washed out to sea when a storm ruptures the tank he was in. This Arthur Curry, whose origin closely resembles that of the Golden Age Aquaman as well as that of Neptune Perkins, is the son of oceanobiologist Dr. Phillip Curry. Arthur's mother, Elaine, died in childbirth, and Dr. Curry was forced to use a mutagenic serum on his son when he was born three months premature. Arthur has lived his whole life in the main tank of his father's research facility at Avalon Cay, his only window to the outside world being television.

Shortly after his arrival in the sea, Arthur is mentally contacted by the mysterious "Dweller of the Depths," a deformed humanoid with tentacles instead of hair and a left hand made of water. The Dweller urges him to help King Shark, who still bears scars from a previous battle with Aquaman during the recent Crisis. The Dweller, confusing Arthur for Aquaman and calling him his "charge," tells Arthur and King Shark of a prophecy regarding Arthur's future, a prophecy which seems to be a distorted version of the original Aquaman's history. The Dweller reveals that the original Aquaman was "transformed into one akin to a great and terrible enemy of your people and become the vessel of power strange, ancient and terrible."

Arthur's first trip causes him to meet many of Aquaman's supporting characters including Mera, the Sea Devils, Vulko, and eventually Ocean Master. During this adventure, the Dweller progressively realizes that he himself is the original Aquaman, despite having no memory of his former life.

Later Arthur finds a humanoid squid named Topo, a naive youth attracted by superheroics, seeking to become a sidekick, and Tempest, now amnesiac, unable to breathe water and implanted with a post-hypnotic suggestion warning of an upcoming battle. The battle soon occurs, and the Dweller/Orin is apparently killed. The whole Justice League is called to evaluate Orin's situation, but are unable to determine if he is truly dead, or if he can somehow resurrect himself due to his new magical nature.

In the final issue of Sword of Atlantis, Aquaman is visited by the Lady of the Lake who explains his origins. The original Aquaman had given a sample of his water hand to his father in order to resurrect his dead son, Arthur, whom he had named after Orin. When Orin attempted to resurrect Sub Diego, part of his soul attached itself to the dead body of Arthur Joseph Curry, while Orin's physical form mutated into the Dweller. Blaming himself for Orin's death, Aquaman vows to never be called "Arthur" again, refraining from using the "stolen" name, asking only to be called simply Joseph in future.

Arthur is considered as a candidate for the new Outsiders by Batman. After seeing him in action with Metamorpho, however, Batman decides against his induction. However, when Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis concluded with issue #57 in October, 2007, the DC Nation page at the back of the issue said that more adventures with this Aquaman could be seen in Batman and the Outsiders starting in November.

[edit] Powers and abilities

[edit] OrinAquaman has a number of superhuman powers, most of which derive from the fact that he is adapted to live in the depths of the ocean. Primary among his powers is the ability to extract oxygen from water, allowing him to 'breathe' while submerged. He is unaffected by the immense pressure and the cold temperature of the ocean depths; further, he possesses an enhanced resistance to injury and superhuman strength (he can easily throw a car hundreds of yards). He is likewise able to swim at very high speeds. He can see in near total darkness and has enhanced hearing. Although he can remain underwater indefinitely without suffering any ill effects, Aquaman grows weak if he remains on land for extended periods. His Mystical left hand has the ability to dehydrate anyone he touches with it, killing them instantly; to become extremely dense, thus taking Aquaman to the ocean floor quickly; and to shoot jets of scalding water.

Aquaman's most famous (or infamous) power is the ability to communicate with/command oceanic life. The range of this power is unclear; certainly he can summon sea life from vast distances. Although this power is most often and most easily used on marine life, Aquaman has on multiple occasions demonstrated the capacity to affect any being evolved from marine life (e.g., humans).

After the loss of his hand, Aquaman replaced it with a cybernetic harpoon that responded to his thoughts and could be fired while staying attached via a retractable line. Later, the harpoon was replaced by the Waterbearer hand, given to him by the Lady of the Lake. This hand was magical in nature and granted Aquaman the abilities noted above.

[edit] Arthur JosephThe new Aquaman has many physical abilities in common with the original Aquaman, including underwater breathing, submarine speed, and superhuman strength. Like the Golden Age Aquaman, young Arthur can't survive outside of water for long. He also gained telepathic powers. He now speaks and understands the languages of the sentient sea peoples unaided, and has a limited ability to communicate with nonsentient sea life. He cannot speak directly to them as his predecessor could, but can send and receive emotional impressions and desires, such as communicating a need for help. He is working to expand the latter ability, and in one instance has been able to "see" through the eyes of nearby fish.[3]

[edit] Alternative VersionsCeetka: the Deva of the Water and a reflection of God. He watches over the seas and his kingdom in the Supergirl: Wings Elseworld story. Barracuda: Aquaman's Crime Syndicate of Amerika counterpart. Last seen leading the armies of Atlantis against the surface world in Florida.

[edit] In other mediaMain article: Aquaman in popular mediaAquaman has appeared in multiple cartoon series, as well as a live action version appearing in the TV series Smallville. In addition, he has been the subject of many pop cultural references. Unlike many other heroes, Aquaman has often been the target of ridicule in pop culture, and has been mocked on shows such as South Park, Seinfeld, The State, Spin City, Family Guy and Robot Chicken. In the HBO TV series Entourage, the main character played by Adrian Grenier is said to have the highest grossing movie debut ever playing a live action Aquaman.

Many on the surface world remember a rather bland young merman that was a founding member of the JLA, yet below the waters that cover two thirds of the surface of his planet he is rightfully seen as the monarch of those waters. Experience has moulded Orin from the inexperienced loner to the majestic warrior king that his subjects both fish and mammal hold in awe.

Aquaman is often seen as a loner but he takes his time forming friends, a group that includes a long standing friendship with Wonder Woman, the shared experiences of the former sidekick Tempest and a burgeoning respect for Conner Hawke the latest Green Arrow.

Aquaman has fought gods for his right to be protector of the seas, he has paid with blood for enemies made and has lost his way in the difficult choices that rulers must make. Yet it is impossible to keep him down, his heritage as the descendent of Kordax and son of Atlan give him a connection with the oceans that even he is only now becoming aware of.

HISTORY

"He will know joy and sorrow, darkness and light, for the blood of Orin and Shalako will run through him. He will produce a child with a woman from the world of the dark gods and they will both leave him. He will battle the inner uncertainty caused by his mixed heritage and he will battle his half-brother, whom I shall also sire with a woman of the surface. For two brothers must always struggle for Atlantis. This is fate and when they battle for the final time, the outcome will determine the ultimate destiny of Atlantis. Either it will rejoin the surface world or be forever destroyed." - Atlan - father of Aquaman and the Ocean Master

The mysterious sorcerer Atlan was father by Queen Atlanna of Atlantis to the adventurer known as Aquaman and by an Eskimo woman to the villain known as Ocean Master. Thereby he satisfied the ancient Atlantis prophesy that two brothers will always be battling over the fate of Atlantis.

When Aquaman was born as Orin, he was left by King Trevis to die on Mercy Reef, so called because it was used by the water breathers to leave others of their kind to die as the waters receded with the tides exposing them to the open air. However Orin was no normal child, abandoned because of a disturbing similarity between Orin and an ancient Atlantis monster known as Kordax. It was this Curse of Kordax, of having fair hair, that caused the abandonment of Orin to the air.

As the waters drew back Orin was nurtured by the warming effects of the Sun. He was truly of both worlds able to breathe both water and air. He was raised by the dolphin named Porm and wandered with her pod across the oceans. While a teenager Orin was found by the lighthouse keeper Arthur Curry. It was this kindly lighthouse keeper that was to be Orin's first prolonged exposure to humanity. Arthur raised him as he was his own son, teaching him the ways of the surface world and how to read.

After Arthur Curry disappeared Orin took the name as a mark of respect. Orin swam north and lived for months above and below the water avoiding all human contact until one fateful date he saved a young Eskimo woman by the name of Kako from a rampaging polar bear. Perhaps it was destiny that had drawn Orin there but it brought about the first meeting between him and his half brother Orm who was deeply jealous of Orin and Kako. He set in motions that would lead to Orin being driven out of the settlement.

Orin returned to the seas, he crossed paths with humans from time to time but for the most parts he stayed well out of the reach of humanity. Until one fateful day Orin happened on the city of his birth. Quite by accident he had found Atlantis. He was captured by the then dictatorial government of the city and placed in the prison camp. He was help with another prisoner Vulko who taught Orin the language and ways of the Atlantians.

A clear screen separated the male from female prisoners and through it he kept getting glances of a woman that he instinctively knew as his mother. When see appeared at the screen no more he knew that she was dead, there was no longer anything to keep Orin in this foreign city. He broke out and fled back to his endless oceans.

As time passed Aquaman took more of an interest in the surface world. The media began to call him a superhero and he was christened Aquaman by Barry Allen (aka Flash II). Not long afterwards he became a founding member of the Justice League of America. When he eventually returned to Atlantis he found that via his escape the citizens had been inspired to free themselves and that Atlantis was now a free city. He was recognised as the son of Queen Atlanna and so he became the King of Atlantis.

Times were happy for Aquaman, the new ruling house of Atlantis slowly reintroduced it to the outside world and the society and it ruler grew together in peace. There were those that would oppose his rule and the supervillian called the Shark deposed Orin for a time. Once the Shark was defeated Aquaman refused to take up the throne once more preferring to act more as the traditional superhero (a title what he would come to hate). The cost was high when the villain Black Manta succeeded in killing Aquaman's young son.

The death of Arthur Jr. put a rift between Orin and Mera so they tried relocating to a flooded city on the East Coast as a change of scene. It was during this time that as Aquaman he sought to reform the Justice League. Actually going in front of the United Nations he disbanded the Justice League and later reformed it only taking dedicated individuals and four new young heroes in the guise of Vibe, Vixen, Steel II and Gypsy. Accustomed to the rank of monarch his leadership style has harsh and caused authority problems with some of the younger members. Eventually Aquaman would leave this League.

Mera had been driven insane by grief and had been committed to an asylum in Atlantis. Shortly afterwards an alien force took the city. Orin was forced to save the city and in the process was hampered by an escaped Mera who personally blamed Orin for the death of their son. In a fit of rage she left this dimension. After Atlantis was freed Orin remained tied to the city. For a time he served as its representative to the United Nations but always finding himself thrust into the superhero role. Becoming more and more of a workaholic and solitary figure he returned to the oceans where he eventually learnt the truth (from the old Chronicles of Atlantis that he how keeps) about his birth and the Ocean Master was actually his half brother.

Spurred on by Aqualad, Orin was forced to return to action where he lost his hand. The shock caused him to become delirious he experienced dreams filled with portents and omens, of things to come and things' past. Shortly afterwards he adopted a harpoon in place of his hand (later to be upgraded to advanced STAR labs psionically controlled model) and set out to protect the seas in his own way. Making friends along the way he started a romance with the mysterious girl named Dolphin, little knowing that she was being controlled by the monster Kordax in an effort to kill him.

Lost of all diplomacy, Orin found himself fighting former allies such as Superboy and even gaining the respect of Lobo of all people. He found himself reacting to the world around him rather than acting, discovering he had a son in the form of Koryax and that his former lover Kako had become the latest fire elemental. Meanwhile behind his back King Thesily the current monarch of Atlantis was plotting to kill Orin out of jealously due to the place that Aquaman had in the hearts of his subjects. In the end Thesily was killed during an earthquake, one of the many that forced the Poseidonians to flee to Tritonians as the city began to rise to the surface.

Koryax lead the Poseidonians away as Orin returned. Orin was forced to deal with the aftermath of his meeting with Thanatos (who had been using Atlantian equipment to broadcast threats in the guise of Aquaman) by battling the current Justice League who had come to investigate with the now floating city of Poseidonis. Not long afterwards Orin bonded with the ancient cybernetic entity that the Hunters had left to observe Atlantis. In the process he learnt of the impending return of the Hunter/Gathers and so began an epic struggle to gather together the ancient cities of Atlantis under one banner. He united all the undersea forces and many of the water related superheroes while at the same time having to contend with the return of Kordax who was telepathically controlling the citizens of Poseidonis.

The Hunter/Gathers had returned to Earth and had begun wooing the surface world around to their overtures of peace. However only the undersea forces of Aquaman knew the truth. Assembling a task force of undersea superheroes Aquaman took the battle to the Hunter/Gathers at the Whitehouse. They tried to convince Aquaman of their worth by allowing him a glimpse of future powers, but he refused and tricked them into revealing their plans to the world. The Hunter/Gathers were then forced to retreat. During the battle with the Hunter/Gathers Orin had become more and more the Monarch of Atlantis. However there was a difference, whereas before he had been only acting what he thought that a king should do, he now was truly acting as a king should, ruling the subjects below him.

The change did not sit easily with Orin. Having a magical heritage and destiny he began to feel the inner conflict physically. His body became mutated, his hands webbed and his skin scaled. It took help from the Swamp Thing to awaken Aquaman to his true nature via a form of vision quest into the past of Atlantis. He saw the origin of Kordax as a frightened young boy and not the monster that he became. Aquaman's increasing acceptance of his role as King frightened those around him and the physical transformation frightened his subjects. The matter came to a head when Poseidon forced him to battle his son, Triton, for dominion over the ocean. Aquaman won (partially because Triton let him win) and Poseidon forced on him a fraction of the powers of a sea god. Instantly blinded Aquaman discovered that Poseidon has opened a link between Aquaman and the Clear (the unified life energy field of all ocean life). His sight slowly returned and with the help of Animal Man he discovered that he also possessed the ability of echo location.

The new abilities that Aquaman now possesses reinforces his dominion over the creatures of the sea and its inhabitants. He has established the position of Poseidonis in the surface world (even to the extent of a trial period where he opened it up to tourists). However his actions have not won universal acclaim amongst the people of the city. Vulko in particular feels as if he is out the decision making loop now that Aquaman is making his own decisions as King. Troubles brew for Aquaman in every corner, Triton recently killed his father and now sees Aquaman as his main obstacle between his goal of supreme command of the element of water.

POWERS AND WEAPONS

Born an Atlantian Orin is naturally adapted to the deep ocean environment, giving him enhanced hearing and strength while on land. He can breathe both water and air, but must return to the aquatic environment at various intervals, this length can be prolonged by the humidity in the air.

While before Aquaman had telepathic abilities and a certain command over sea life his newly opened link to the Clear has opened up a whole new world to him. The Clear can best be likened to the Green of the Swamp Thing, it is a universal consciousness of all sea life. Via it he can communicate or command sea life on the other side of the planet. He can see what they see and much more what he is only beginning to realise. He can also push his telepathic powers to reach out to the higher land creatures to find that element of their brains that dates to their ancestors time in the ocean.

Since his hand was severed by piranha he has used a prosthetic hook developed by STAR labs that he can control psionically. This allows him to fire it on the end of a line or to spin it like a drill.

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Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers Aquaman, a superhero and long-time member of the Justice League of America, is an Atlantean. As is the case with most Atlanteans, Aquaman can be classified as a Greco-Roman classical religionist who worships Neptune (also known as Poseidon), the Greco-Roman god of the ocean. Atlantean Neptune worship is essentially the "state religion" of Atlantis and the majority of Atlanteans are adherents, although as is the case with most state religions, religious observance varies among individuals, from nominal to devout.

BELOW: Aquaman prays to Father Neptune

In this scene, reprinted in the Superman: Our Worlds at War trade paperback, Aquaman confronts an Imperiex drone. Imperiex is intent on installing equipment all over the Earth that will destroy the universe.

Dialogue from this scene:

Aquaman: Father Neptune! Grant me the strength to vanquish the foes of Atlantis! --And to protect the Kingdom of the Seven Seas! THY WILL BE DONE!

Religious observance is infrequently portrayed in most comic book stories, and most stories featuring Aquaman do not delve into the specifics of his religious beliefs and observance. One of the principle clues about Aquaman's religious affiliation, particularly in earlier stories, was his use of mildly profane (or mildly prayerful) utterances based on Greco-Roman religion. "Great Neptune!" was a favorite utterance of Aquaman's, comparable to Wonder Woman's use of "Great Hera!"

With the long publishing history of monthly comic book series starring Aquaman, as well as his appearances in Justice League of America and other comic book titles, ample material has been published revealing the considerable extent to which Greco-Roman-based religion centered on Neptune is an important part of Atlantean life in general and Aquaman's life specifically.

Aquaman has had first-hand expeience with Greco-Roman deities far more than other Atlanteans. He has even met some of, including Poseidon himself, the god his people actively worship. Aquaman has at times been severely disappointed or in disagreement with the actions of Greco-Roman deities, including Poseidon and Poseidon's son Triton. At times, Aquaman's attitude has hardened toward his gods and he has acted and spoken in a way that would seem to mean he is largely lapsed in his worship of Poseidon and other ocean deities.

In considering the actions of Greco-Roman deities, as portrayed in Wonder Woman, Aquaman and other DC Comics stories, it is important to remember that Greco-Roman classical religionists held a different view of deity than is commonplace in Judeo-Christian culture and other other contemporary religions. Whereas most contemporary people understand God as a being who is regarded by believers as perfect in morality or is, in fact, the very definer and source of moral behavior, the Greco-Roman deities were not viewed in the same way by their worshippers. The Greco-Roman view of deity does not hold that the gods are "good" or "evil," they simply are. The gods exhibit the same range of moral strenghts and weaknesses that humans exhibit, althought these characteristics are not always exhibited in ways that humans can fully comprehend.

It is not accurate to say that Aquaman is "lapsed" in his faith. The most tumultuous period in his relationship to his religion and its deities seems to be in the past and, in any case, was brief relative to the overall history of the character. Aquaman has, throughout the history of his character, been a Greco-Roman classical religionist with emphasis on the worship of Neptune. He has never been known to convert to any other religion. Nor is he known to have ever been portrayed as a secularist, atheist or materialist who rejected the possibility that his deities exist. Even when Aquaman has been angry with Greco-Roman deities, he retained a strong belief in their existence. Aquaman believes his gods are devine in a truly religious, spiritual sense. He does not regard Greco-Roman deities simply as "aliens" or "extra-dimensional beings" in the way that some dedicated materialists may view them (e.g., Batman).

On the other hand, it is not accurate to regard Aquaman as a completely faithful or commpletely orthodox follower of traditional Atlantean faith. Aquaman's attitudes toward the gods stands in stark contrast to the attitude of his fellow Justice League teammate Wonder Woman, who is deeply respectful of her patron Greco-Roman gods and actively worships them and prays to them. One could suggest that Aquaman's experiences with the patron Greco-Roman gods of Atlantis have been very different from Wonder Woman's experiences with the patron Greco-Roman gods of the Amazons. Yet, on balance, Wonder Woman has probably had as many bad experiences with various Greco-Roman deities (such as Ares the God of War and Hercules, the son of Zeus) as Aquaman has had. But Wonder Woman continues to see herself as an emmisary of her faith, a religion she exhibits active adherence to, while Aquaman has a more distanced relationship to the religion and rarely calls on the gods or exhibits worship in any meaningful way.

In summary, there is no argument that Aquaman is a Greco-Roman classical religionist of the Atlantean variety (with emphasis on Neptune worship). The precise degree of his devotion to his religion has varied over the years depending on his storylines and writers. In general, the character has probably never really been "apostate" or "lapsed" in any meaningful sense. He is more than a nominal adherent, but less than a devout follower.

Regardless of how closely Aquaman attends to specific religious obligations, he has always been portrayed as very "religious" in the sense that he has a strong moral and ethical compass and a strong sense of honor. He is rightly regarded as one of the Earth's greatest heroes due to his selfless willingness to sacrifice personal desires and safety in order to protect and serve others, particularly the denizens of the world's oceans.

Aquaman's devotion to the oceans and its inhabitants (Atlanteans as well as other races and even non-sentient animal life) is so strong, in fact, that he has on occasion actively opposed actions of "surface-dwellers," even when doing so has brought him into conflict with close friends in Earth's superhero community. Thankfully, such conflicts have been rare and have eventually been amicably resolved. In this respect, there are many parallels between Aquaman and Marvel's king of the seas, Namor the Sub-Mariner. But Aquaman has been a far more consistent friend to surface-dwelling humanity than Namor has ever been.

While he was still a young man, Aquaman dwelt for a time among the Inupiat (Inuit) Eskimos. During that time he fathered a son and followed many Inupiat ways.

What's the Religion of Atlantis? At the beginning of the Atlantis Chronicles, you could say there was an ongoing battle between the science of ORIN the first (the king) and the sorcery of SHALAKO (his brother). Shalako worshipped SUULA, the goddess of the sky. When Orin put a dome on the city to protect it from invaders, Shalako believed it angered Suula. The rest of Orin's advisors figured that Suula was a small threat, and saw no reason it would anger PALLAIS, the more powerful sea goodess. When the dome was completed, Shalako's sorcery no longer worked, so he turned to the DARK GODS to do his bidding. In the meantime, Suula apparently had her revenge, by sending a huge meteor down that sank the continent of Atlantis. After the sinking, the Atlanteans were split into two camps: those who believed in science, and those who followed Shalako not realizing he'd turned to dark gods. Eventually the religion of Atlantis became settled into the same pattern. Those who believed in science or had very little religion were followers of Orin. Those who wanted to have serious religion in their lives were followers of Shalako (called Shalakites). Both groups exist in the current Atlantis, with a little crossover and worship of other gods and ancestors.

Aquaman doesn't really worship any gods, because he's met a few, and had some problems with them. For instance:

- POSEIDON - God of the oceans. Isn't fond of Aquaman, but tolerates him. Is upset that Aquaman ursurped the love and worship of the creatures of the sea, as gods like Poseidon get some of their power from worship. Has given Aquaman tastes of his power to taunt him. He also opened up Aquaman's connection to "The Clear". Poseidon was killed by Triton, but Aquaman went to Hades to rescue him. Poseidon technically owes Aquaman, but isn't very likely to acknowledge it or offer help: Aquaman would have to demand it. Poseidon left Triton's trident in Aquaman's posession. It has a powerful corrupting influence on anyone who holds it for long, except for Aquaman.

- TRITON - The son of Poseidon. Jealous of Aquaman for a lot of reasons, mainly that he interrupted Triton's attempted rape of Diana before she became Wonder Woman. Aquaman defeated Triton in battle for the dominion over the creatures of the sea, but Triton returned and killed Aquaman (after killing Poseidon). Aquaman the stormed the gates of Hades and eventually returned with angry daddy Poseidon. Poseidon apparently killed Triton, but actually he took most of his powers and turned him into a sea demon. Triton then used Manta to kill some of Wonder Woman's sea scouts to lure her to him to finish some unfinished business, but Wonder Woman killed him.

- HADES - After storming the gates of Hades domain to rescue Poseidon, Aquaman got Hades to let them both go. Aquaman owes Hades a favor.

- NULIAJUK - Mother of sea beasts. A Northern godling. Aquaman defeated her when he was still just a boy. Doesn't go out of her way to torment him, but if he stumbles into her territory, he has to watch his step. She was last seen tormenting Supergirl. Only seen during the Peter David run (I don't think anyone else wants to spell her name).

- NAIAD - Water elemental of earth. Isn't fond of Aquaman, but they've never really fought. Protected Aquaman from Corona when she first turned into a fire elemental.

Who is Aquaman? In the current continuity, Aquaman was abandoned as a baby on Mercy Reef. He was expected to die. The reason was his blond hair, which according to Atlantean legend was the "sign of Kordax" - a bad omen. (Atlantis Chronicles #7) He fended for himself, and was raised by dolphins for a time. (Aquaman: Time and Tide #2) As a young man he found Arthur Curry, a lighthouse keeper, and learned a bit about surfacers, including the English language. (The Legend of Aquaman) He dwelt among the Inupiat eskimos [Inuit] for a bit (and fathered a son, as he found out much later). (Aquaman: Time and Tide #3) He eventually returned to Atlantis, and found his mother, but she died before he had learned enough of the language to talk with her. He later learned that she was the former Queen of Atlantis (deposed by a religious extremist). (The Legend of Aquaman) Much later he learned from the Atlantis Chronicles, last kept by his mother, that his father was the legendary wizard Atlan (and not King Trevis, who committed suicide right after Aquaman was born). (Aquaman: Time and Tide #4)

Please note that due to this change, retailers may reduce their orders on AQUAMAN: SWORD OF ATLANTIS #40 (JAN060302) one time only from now through February 2. Qualification for the AQUAMAN: SWORD OF ATLANTIS #40 VARIANT EDITION (DEC058016) will be based on final orders after any order reductions are made

Wonder Woman versus Aquaman: Same religion, different levels of religiosityWonder Woman is portrayed as a devout Greco-Roman classical religionist in all media that we know of.

Wonder Woman's religiosity is particularly evident in the Justice League animated series produced for the Carton Network, beginning in 2001. The pilot episode shows Diana, the princess of Themyscira, meeting other major super-heroes for the first time, having just left her secluded island home for the first time. She is still new in "Man's World." Much of Wonder Woman's introduction focuses on the vast cultural differences between her home and the rest of the world. The 3-episode pilot features many overt references to Diana's religious beliefs.

Wonder Woman's Greco-Roman religious beliefs are still evident in later episodes, even when she is not the focus. An example is an incidental reference in Justice League Season 1, Episode 6 ("The Enemy Below - Part One") - an invocation of the goddess Hera in a story focusing on Aquaman. When Wonder Woman learns that Aquaman is missing and in danger, she exclaims, "Hera help him."

This exclamation, or perhaps brief prayer, is especially poignant given the fact that Aquaman himself is a follower of the Greco-Roman pantheon, as are nearly all Atlanteans, particularly those of the royal and noble classes. Diana is known for exclaiming "Hera help me" frequently in the comics. In this slight varation from that, calling on Hera to help somebody else, is Diana cognizant of the fact that the Greco-Roman pantheon (Neptune/Poseidon specifically) watches over Aquaman and his people?

[Timecode: 19 minutes, 25 seconds. Scene: Metropolis. Members of the Justice League - Wonder Woman, Batman, Martian Manhunter and Superman - have just apprehended Deadshot, after the assassin tried to kill Aquaman, king of Atlantis. The heroes learned that Deadshot was hired by somebody from Atlantis to kill Aquaman. These super-heroes are worred about Aquaman, who is now missing. Batman threatens Deadshot in order to make him tell the heroes wha the knows about the plan to kill Aquaman.]

Batman: Who hired you?

Deadshot: I don't know. I don't ask questions.

Batman: Not good enough. How were you paid?

Deadshot: In gold. See?

[Deadshot points to the piles of gold coins that spilled from his getaway van.]

Batman: Spanish doublooms.

Wonder Woman: Where would they get coins like this?

Martian Manhunter: Atlantis.

Superman: We've got to warn Aquaman.

Green Lantern (John Stewart): [Landing next to the other heroes, arriving on the scene.] Too late. That royal pain in the neck's already gone. And I couldn't stop him.

[After rescuing Aquaman from being assassinated, the heroes brought him to a hospital. Green Lantern was keeping an eye on him after he recovered, but Aquaman sucker-punched him, knocking him out, and fled the scene.]

Wonder Woman: Hera help him.

[End of scene: Timecode: 19 minutes, 56 seconds.] Interestingly enough, this Justice League episodes with Aquaman in them do not appear to acknowledge the Atlantean worship of Neptune. In the two-episode story "The Enemy Below" Aquaman's home of Atlantis is shown in great detal, along with his personal dwelling, his palace, members of the royal court, and numerous Atlantean soldiers. In none of this do we see any acknowledgement of Neptune or any other evidence of Greco-Roman classical religion. Yet the Justice League animated series openly portrays Wonder Woman's religiosity. This difference reflects how the religiosity of Wonder Woman and Aquaman are portrayed in DC Comics: with Wonder Woman being a far more devout follower of the pantheon that both she and Aquaman worship.

I was reading about Alex Ross in Wizard 141 last night and he said that he liked the DC characters so much because each one was like a "god" of his realm. Aquaman of the water, Batman of Gotham, Superman of Metropolis, J'Onn J'Onzz of Mars. Each one has the ultimate power in their given sphere of influence. So, he equated it to like the best of the best.

Well, I bring this up here not only because he mentions that they are gods, but also because it seems to me that they are often set up as saviors as well. Batman is to rid Gotham of crime. Superman protects humanity. Aquaman protects the oceans. J'Onn J'Onzz is the last of his kind from Mars and is supposed to save his civilization. These are all Christ-like attributes.

This doesn't just go for DC characters, but I only mention them because that's what Alex Ross talked about in the article. As I said earlier in this thread, I think that this "christian" influence on the character development and story creation could be more a reflection of that influence in our society and our popular mythos, more so than a direct allusion.

These are archetypes that we are looking at here. That's why we recognize similar traits among them.

re: "Just out of curiosity, is there any major character in the DC Universe definitely shown as being Jewish?"

For that matter, what characters have been portrayed as having any definite religion?

...Some others are, I would guess not followers of any religion found on our Earth. I'm thinking of any alien who came here after childhood like J'onn J'onzz, the pre-Crisis Hawkman, Starfire, etc. This also would apply to Aquaman depending on what his current continuity says about when he left Atlantis.

Personal DetailsStatus: Active Alter Ego: Arthur Curry, Orin Marital Status: Separated Known Relatives: () Group Affiliation: Justice League of America Base of Operations: Atlantis and the Earth's oceans. Height: 6' 1" Weight: 325 lbs Hair: Blond Eyes: Aqua-blue OverviewFirst ImpressionsAquaman is an imposing figure. He's just over six feet tall and carries himself with a bearing that betrays him royal heritage. He will often be silent, but when he speaks nobody will ignore him - his arguments will be pointed and his wit will be even sharper. Its been said that his voice is like the song of the ocean and almost certainly you'll never be able to place the accent. Don't be concerned if he looks at you funny as we all humans look the same to him (he was raised by dolphins).

BriefMany on the surface world remember a rather bland young merman that was a founding member of the JLA, yet below the waters that cover two thirds of the surface of his planet he is rightfully seen as their undesputed monarch. Experience has moulded Orin from the inexperienced loner to the majestic warrior king that all his subjects, both fish and mammal, hold in awe.

Aquaman has fought gods for his right to be protector of the seas, he has paid with blood for enemies made and has lost his way in the difficult choices that rulers must make. Yet it is impossible to keep him down, his heritage as the descendent of Kordax and son of Atlan give him a connection with the oceans that even he is only now becoming aware of.

Recent DevelopmentsThe Queen of the island nation of Cerdia and the Ocean Master devastated Atlantis in an unprovoked attack and used the ensuing war as a front to discredit Aquaman. However they were defeated when the JLA intervened to separate the sides and Aquaman revealed Ocean Master's connection to the people of Cerdia. In the aftermath Aquaman annexed Cerdia into Atlantis and promised to rebuild both countries.

AbilitiesPhysiology adapted to deep ocean environments (enhanced strength, stamina and senses); Linked to the "Clear" (the web of life-force that connects all undersea life, it allows limited telepathic communication and control plus other nebulous sensory abilities); Cybernetic hand (made from living metal that is mentally controlled - normal configurations include a harpoon on a wire).

TacticsAquaman is one of the most experienced heroes in the Justice League and is often overlooked by opponents for the more powerful heroes. He is a natural leader and will often take control of a more inexperienced group. In combat Aquaman will strike hard and fast with an intensity that few villains expect from normal superheroes - he is not above drawing blood from an opponent with the first strike.

RelationshipsConnectionsAquaman is confounded by Wonder Woman, she is the one who is able to get underneath the gruff shell and unsettle him. They are both royalty and come from a warrior's background. Arthur is also uncomfortably aware that he is attracted to her. Of the new Leaguers Aquaman has found himself working closely with the angel Zauriel, to the point where other Leaguers have dubbed them the "Fish and Fowl" team. He will also ignore or berate most of Plastic Man's jokes - something that is likely to just make Eel try harder.

AlliesTempest (Garth - the former Aqualad and Arthur's sidekick), Mera (Arthur's wife and Queen of Atlantis), Dolphin (former lover now the wife of Tempest)

EnemiesOcean Master (Arthur's half brother - was a member of the Injustice Gang), Quisp (a fifth dimensional sprite who later battle the entire JLA)

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The first season featured some great cameos like AquamanFrom: Gustavo Wombat Date: Thurs, Apr 22 2004 12:03 pm I can't think of any major superheroes that strongly believe in any real faith, and that surprises me. Certainly not in the DC Universe. I think there are more minority superheroes than religious ones...

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I always hated as a kid how Superman and Batman would treat Aquaman as the bitch of the Justice League: "Someone needs to get Marvin to ballet lessons? Hey Aquaman, here's the keys to the Batmobile--and while you're out why don't you get it detailed? There's a boy!" or, "Wendy's got caught hooking again and needs to make bail? Aquaman, get your bitch ass over here right now and bail her out!" or, "I'm sorry, Aquaman, but we're trading you to Marvel Comics for a carton of Luckies."

But this story about human ears evolving from fish gills should change all that.

Posted by Steve at January 19, 2006 10:01 AM | TrackBack

CommentsThis is actually related to what I research (yes I DO actually work now and then). The details of the article aren't right though (typical of reporters doing science). The hyomandibular arch is part of the fish jaw (not really the gills) that mammals don't have anymore. Those bones migrated to our inner ear sometime during the water/land transition. It is considered common knowledge among the evo/devo folks. The big deal with this paper is only really that they found another "intermediate" step that shows how the transition occured.

Posted by: LB buddy at January 19, 2006 10:20 AM Oops. Migrated to the middle ear not the inner ear.

Posted by: LB buddy at January 19, 2006 10:22 AM Aquaman rocks! He never got enough face time, as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: GroovyVic at January 19, 2006 10:25 AM Aquaman got good props from Superman on Smallville earlier this season. I remember years ago on the great show Dr. Katz on Comedy Central that Dave Chappelle had a good bit on Aquaman, although if memory serves me right it wasn't so nice to the man in orange and green.

Posted by: Misspent at January 19, 2006 11:16 AM Not to turn this blog into a total geekfest, but I think this article is a little confusing. One of the middle ear bones--the stapes--might have developed from the hyomandibular arch. The other three--the malleus, incus, and tympanic ring--all developed from bones in the reptilian jaw during the transition from mammals to reptiles, much later in the story.

[/terminal geekiness off]

Posted by: utron at January 19, 2006 02:37 PM [geekiness right back on]

Or the transition from reptiles to mammals, if you really want to get nit-picky.

Posted by: utron at January 19, 2006 02:38 PM [trying to resist the temptation to propose the upteenth uber-comic-nerd debate on the subject of who would win in an Aquaman vs. Namor fight...]

Posted by: Rex Ferric at January 19, 2006 04:17 PM utron:

You are exactly right. Fish only have inner ears, mammals are the only ones with inner, middle, and outer ears, reptiles and amphibians being somewhere in between (they only have the stapes). The stapes has a clear relationship with the HMA, the other bones were derived from a structure called the palatoquadrate. Although to get uber-dorky (as if I wasn't there already) some of the incus also comes from the HMA. As I said, reporters rarely get the science right.

Posted by: LB buddy at January 19, 2006 05:46 PM See, this is where the LLamabutchers have their niche: a post which mixes evolution theory and the Superfriencs, with excellent commentary quoting cutting edge scientific research, old Dave Chapelle bits....

Posted by: Steve the LLamabutcher at January 19, 2006 08:48 PM How about Aquaman vs. Kit Fisto? You know, Kit was aquatic...his lightsaber had two crystals, so it would work underwater.

GEEK ALERT GEEK ALERT!!!

Posted by: GroovyVic at January 20, 2006 08:26 AM

Editors Notes;

First off, this may shock the’s cool and what sucks crowd on the internet-you know them, the vacuum headed no nothing big mouths, who leave every message board and other place to post the same old message cool or its sucks then leaves. My opinion, they should be hunted down like Darth Vader hunted the noble Jedi Knights and exterminated them. And I’m not comparing anyone of them with those heroic Star Wars figures-far from, since I think they are somewhere between pond scum and toilet waste-bottom line.

That said, it might shock to discover a creation or character doesn’t suck all by it’s self-ok, there is Orbity and Woodgod, but besides them most creations all potentional anyone from Killraven to Aquaman, Yes, Aquaman-the joke of the Super Friends-as being a Superfreind was not a joke it itself, whether you fail the doomed Krypton like Superman or saw parents shot by Joe Chill, as Bruce Warne did to transform into the Batman. Yes, look Jimmy smoking cigarette. As Superman had other things to worry about like Lex Luthor or Brainiac, then if some kids smoking or not.

Ok, I’m getting off the track, but anytime I can bust those Saturday morning rubbish versions of the legendary Justice League of America is a good time well spent.

No, Aquaman sucks not because he’s bad characters-he sucks because he is the constant victim of clueless hacks and idiot retards who have the nerve call themselves Professional Writers, Editors or TV producers.* There have times Aquaman looked cool. In this guest appearance on the WB Superman Animated series, when went all Prince Namor-the Sub-Mariner, another Underwater guy handled poorly. from time to time. And in his Animated series in the 1960’s.If think they suck, well then up yours and go fuck yourself, nuff said. Jump off a bridge with cool comics and maybe your be worth something, if a roving gang piranha’s feast off your dead body.

No. Aquaman and Prince Namor-the Sub-Mariner might suck because the people working on them don’t a clue as to know and understand how present them. They think, make Aquaman an underwater Batman-he sells or gee, make him an undersea yuppie moron, like my hero Donald Trump. Or give him a harpoon or hook, kid’s love J.J.Arms a terrible toy on the 1970’s no liked, about this detective or something two hooks that replaced his hands. JJ Arms. He was a detective with two artificial arms and he could trade out the arms for different jobs. As I recall he was based on a real detective.

Aquaman has a few neat going for him. First, he’s this Undersea Tarzan, who summons other underwater creatures. Sure, Prince Namor, can do that too and he’s also Undersea Tarzan, but neither anyone as good of a storyteller ever handle him. Got it. No, not anyone. Period. The majority just hacked material because said Comic Company paid them to churn out material. Nostalgia publications will shout and scream this stuff is classic and the best, why because if they told the truth, would buy an Archive or Essential Edition, they this sucks or partially suck, but buy it because we need the money.

Now, let’s get down my real point. Periods of the comics, his TV appearance and so forth, showed Aqua man’s potential. Just, he’s a copy of Prince Namor, who simply an underwater Tarzan, with bits of Superman, doesn’t him or the Avenging Son a sucky underwater guy. Throw out 90 % of his material and start from scratch. Make an Underwater King Arthur-fuck Aquaboy Tempest shit, fuck Lagoon Boy, the harpoon shit. the Piranha villain shit and recreate him from ground up. Bring in Mira and bring Aquaboy as something else a stupid underwater loser, who control water spouts or I’m just an Underwater Robin. An image of Arthur Curry as an undersea King Arthur is a start. Keep the underwater Tarzan bit and go whole from there. Rip Tarzan whole hog-it would be the first guy to do in comics. Right Ka-Zar ?Then the best writer and artist on the job, not the worst or some hack begging anything shit anything at all to make a living.Maybe read up on what a character heroic like Joseph Chambell’s the Power of Myths or read on the great heroic figures of fantasy or mythology.Maybe a underwater Conan might work.Would not hurt to read up meesianic figures like Jesus Christ or Buddhah and their into a underwater guy like Aquaman or Prince Namor.And for

Prince Eric Khorum Rhann

Prince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea, one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere, found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation. This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many characters that exist there, upon this lost world. Prince Eric Khorum Rhann chronicles

[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth. like you see in similar comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor. also similar to Conan and King Kull, but under water,] tm, c. Maveric Comics, Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,]

Use the management center to change privacy settings, invite people, and more.

DescriptionPrince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea,one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere,found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation.This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many charactersmthat exist there,upon this lost world.[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth.like you see in simular comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor.also simular to Conan and King Kull,but under water,]tm,c.Maveric Comics,Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,]

Prince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea, one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere, found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation. This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many characters that exist there, upon this

lost world. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth. like you see in similar comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor. also similar to Conan and King Kull, but under water,] tm, c. Maveric Comics, Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,] th most,skip the soap operah shit so overdone in comics since Stan Lee-really,skip it.it’s become dull since Marvel has overdone it ever since.

And a guy like Aquaman has a start.That goes double Prince Namor,too.Whooloping catfish and green bvd swimtrunks my ass Bill Everett-what you thinking.The Atlantean Battle Armor,you never gave if so far cool and superior.It also makes much more sence,than bird wings on his feet.**

I'm certainly going to try with kind of this with my Prince Eric Khorum Rhann material.

I have to be harsh to get past the idiot shields,the imbaciles put up just our buddy Nomad here.You might find bigotry and stupidity in this guy in yourself.I've Kirky Fanatics who just as stupid as this guy.The only think is Kirk got rid of Nomad-some Kirby Fans shout Long Live the King and are just as narrow minded and stupid as Jackson Roykirk's deadly probe.That goes Robert E.Howard purests and so forth.Too bad,Kirk can't get them to explode as he did Nomad.

Prince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea, one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere, found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation. This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many characters that exist there, upon this lost world. Prince Eric Khorum Rhann chronicles

[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth. like you see in similar comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor. also similar to Conan and King Kull, but under water,] tm, c. Maveric Comics, Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,]

Use the management center to change privacy settings, invite people, and more.

DescriptionPrince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea,one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere,found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation.This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many charactersmthat exist there,upon this lost world.[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth.like you see in simular comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor.also simular to Conan and King Kull,but under water,]tm,c.Maveric Comics,Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,]

Prince Eric Khorum Rhann-First Son of Aqualonia-foremost undersea kingdom of Hydro-Pangea, one of the many sub surface sea nation of Terra-Prime-a huge dysonsphere, found within the colonial regions of the Terran Federation. This is one of many Tales of Terra-Prime and one of many characters that exist there, upon this

lost world. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------[A somewhat retelling of the undersea Atlantean myth. like you see in similar comics like Aquaman or Prince Namor. also similar to Conan and King Kull, but under water,] tm, c. Maveric Comics, Inc,Studios,Maveric Comics Group/entertainment /Maveric Characters,Inc,]

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/PrinceEricKhorumRhann/web/aquaman-the-religious-affiliation-of-comic-book-character?hl=en - or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't work.

5:48pm by mavericstud9inches

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/PrinceEricKhorumRhann/web/aquaman-the-religious-affiliation-of-comic-book-character?hl=en - or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't work.

5:27pm by mavericstud9inches

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/PrinceEricKhorumRhann/web/aquaman-the-religious-affiliation-of-comic-book-character?hl=en - or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't work.

http://groups.msn.com/MAVERICCOMICSINCSTUDIOS.----- Original Message ----- trademark [copyright-2006.Mavereic Lions Productions Entertainment.Maveric Comics Studios.-Maveric Entertainment Group.COME SEE ME SOMETIME.I hate to post message up,but I could not find a link page here-so to tell about I post this up.I posted a few various logo design you might want to look over.And there links to various groups-hey if you come over,you'll never know whats there..pligrims whatever was blocking me is over.Please excuse any garbage messages.